What is Newfoundland and Labrador’s mineral emblem?
Newfoundland and Labrador’s provincial mineral emblem is Labradorite. One of the most beautiful and popular of the “semi-precious” stones, labradorite is found at a number of locations on the coast of Labrador and on the Island of Newfoundland. It is an igneous iridescent crystalline mineral, and is also called Labrador Feldspar. It is said that the native people of Labrador attributed mystical qualities to the stone because of its captivating play of colours, or “labradoresence.” They called it “firestone” and used a powder produced by pulverizing it as a magical potion to cure their ailments. A tumble-polished fragment makes an ideal touchstone or talisman, and a beautifully shaped and polished cabochon set in gold or silver is a highly sought jewellery item in any collection. Labradorite was declared the province’s mineral emblem in 1975. Labradorite is one of about 20 semiprecious stones found in the province.
